Theresa Virginia Espinoza

Theresa Virginia Espinoza, 89, of Auburn, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Homestead of Auburn.

She was born April 19, 1936, in Alamosa, Colorado, the daughter of Theodore and Maclovia Lucero.

Theresa graduated from Alamosa High School in 1956 and went on to earn a teaching certificate from Washburn University in early childhood development. She dedicated many years to teaching pre-school, and after retirement, she continued her service to children and families by working in the 501 school district as a cafeteria worker.

She enjoyed cooking and gardening, as well as being involved with the VFW and teaching catechism at Assumption Catholic Church. One of Theresa’s most memorable qualities was her radiant smile that was warm, welcoming, and impossible to forget.

Theresa married Raymond Martinez on February 5, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas. He passed away in 2002. She later married Ernesto Espinoza. He passed away in 2015.

Survivors include three sons, Raymond Martinez of Scranton, KS, Steven Martinez and wife Lisa of Lecompton, KS, and David Martinez of Topeka, KS; 17 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; and 21 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; siblings Joseph Lucero, Mary Charlifue, Bessie Still, Martha Vialpando, Maclovera C Cisneros, Theodora (Teddie) Valdez; children, Estefana Eutsler, Joseph Martinez, Susan King, and Anna Martinez; grandchildren, Marcus Martinez, Angela Gonzalez, Beatrice King, and D’Mauri McGaugh; and great grandson, Nathan Stein.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a rosary prayed at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, December 10, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Thursday, December 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will be 10:00am at Sugar City Cemetery in Sugar City, Colorado.

Memorial contributions should be made to LULAC, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.